CBF Issues Statement on Pollution Trending Down

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President Kim Coble issued this statement following the release of data showing a drop in pollution in the region's major rivers and Chesapeake Bay.

"It is very encouraging that as pollution drops, the Bay responds. Increases in Bay grasses and water clarity are crucial components of Bay restoration. We applaud the efforts the states, farmers, local governments, and citizens have taken to reduce pollution.

"However, while some of the reduction in pollution is in response to actions taken on the ground, as the Bay Program notes, weather played a key role and that is something we can't count on every year.

"Efforts to meet the 2017 goals are mixed. Maryland and Virginia are largely on track to meet their commitments, but Pennsylvania is far behind. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Wolf administration must significantly increase investments in five, south-central Pennsylvania counties as the most efficient, and cost-effective ways of jumpstarting the lagging clean-up efforts.

"When the Bay Program's Executive Council meets next month, all eyes will be watching to see what they do to help Pennsylvania get back on track."